Toddlers and Shopping – Dealing with Tantrums

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Toddler Tantrums – sometimes prevention is better than cure

Supermarket tantrums

We have all looked on in horror as in the middle of the supermarket a poor, beleaguered parent has been held to ransom by a little toddler throwing the monster of all tantrums. You may even have been unlucky enough to have been one of those parents. Even knowing that you are not the only person that this has ever happened to will not be enough to make you feel less guilty, embarrassed or just downright ashamed in the moments that your child behaves in this way.

Why do toddlers have tantrums in supermarkets?

What is it about a supermarket aisle that can bring out the worst in even the most mild-tempered toddler? It could be the heightened atmosphere; all that noise, excitement, bright lights and fancy displays are meant to increase your appetite to buy things you probably do not want or need. Unfortunately, they can also bring out the worst in your little ones. Let’s face it, shopping and toddlers are never a good mix.

What can parents do about toddler tantrums?

Experienced parents know that a toddler in full tantrum mode cannot be negotiated with; threats are useless once the tantrum is underway. Anyway, the time for punishment comes after the tantrum is well and truly over. There is not much you can do apart from abandoning all pretence of shopping and get out of there as soon as your child has calmed down enough to get them to the parking lot.

Dealing with future tantrums

If your child is prone to tantrums there are many ways suggested by Baby Arabia to help manage this and make it a thing of the past. Check this article for more help. But sometimes especially if your child is tired or fractious the only way to avoid a potential tantrum is to leave your toddlers behind and do the shopping on your own. There is nothing wrong with this if you can make arrangements for the safe care of your toddler. You will have the added bonus of a hassle-free experience devoid of pester-power. In case you aren’t familiar with the term ‘pester-power’ it is a formidable weapon in a child’s armoury when they want something. Sometimes leaving the kids at home is the best way to avoid the temper-tantrum.

Planning a toddler free shopping trip

Successful, toddler-free shopping takes careful planning, but in the end it will all be worth it. Here are a few ideas:

Late night shopping – your little darlings should be tucked up in bed asleep so why not use the convenience of late closing?

Online shopping – most supermarkets will offer online shopping. Convenient, time-saving and ultimately money-saving because if you buy in bulk then you will probably save not just your sanity but also money

Pay a sitter – if your partner or a grandparent are not available and you don’t have a reliable or willing, neighbour then why not pay a babysitter? Yes, there will be a cost but that is surely a small price to pay for keeping your dignity intact. Actually the cost may be offset by not having to buy stuff to placate the tantrum thrower.